70-200VR tips and tricks

[wendellt]

Hi Guys and Gals

I a going to rent a 70-200VR picking it up this afternoon

just wondering if anyone knows how to get the best use out of VR in low light and when not to use it

I will be using to shoot a dynamic catwalk scene which may or may not be lighted well, it will be held under a tent. The lighting may be multiple irradecent or halogen spots on either side and could change dramatically to mood lighting depending on the presentation

should i use VR in all cases or not use it at all? i wont be using a monopod and will be shooting in higher shuterspeeds over 100 and f2.8 constant

I hear when tracking a moving subect VR gets confussed and does not focuses

thanks in advance

[jdear]

I too would like to hear people's thoughts on this subject as I will be shooting a wedding with the 70-200 (indoors + reception) early OCT.

JD

[jethro]

Wendllt
Everything depends on how the lighting is set up at this event. Can you use flash? Also with focussing probably closest subject is applicable. If your not on a pod of some kind use the VR it will save your ass. Using this lens for the first time thrown in the deep end will be a challenge for you.
Ive shot in low light that is, natural light your iso will have to be increased substancially maybe even as high as 1000iso. As i said it all depends on the lighting. One more point on focussing, you will find the focus point will drift either side or up and down. This will come down to your ability to watch in the viewfinder closely at the focussing points. I must say it takes some getting used to but after much practise becomes second nature. Have you used this lens before?
Good luck
Jethro

[Paul]

Wendell,
If you want to borrow my Manfrotto 679 pod & RRS foot for the weekend your more than welcome.
PM if you need to discuss the pick up details.

[wendellt]

Wendell,
If you want to borrow my Manfrotto 679 pod & RRS foot for the weekend your more than welcome.
PM if you need to discuss the pick up details.

hi paul

thanks for the kind offer!!, but i need to zip out right after work, it's going to be tight.

jethro this will be my first time handling the lens, i intend to get a couple hours practice in melbourne, before the event, but i know what you mean by focus points, i have messed up before using the 4 dynamic focus tracking mode on the d2x this time i will be using the single area focus mode. I will be using the flash even if the shows are brightly lit.

Kipper and a few others mentioned the VR mode on the 70-200 produces unwanted results when tracking moving subjects.